Notes
Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord’s commandments and regulations. They had no children because Elizabeth was unable to conceive, and they were both very old.
Luke 1:6-7
By any human measurement, there was no way this couple was going to have a child. But, God had different plans - He sent an angel to tell them that Elizabeth would become pregnant and have a son who they were to name John.
Many people today think they are too old or far gone for God to show up in their lives. But Zechariah and Elizabeth’s story reminds us that nothing is impossible for the Creator.
Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.” … “But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.”
Luke 1:15-18, 20
God can work His plan and purpose regardless of impossible circumstances. Zechariah wanted assurance that what the angel had said was actually going to happen because he was seeing through a human lens instead of through the lens of God’s unlimited power. Because of Zechariah’s doubts, Gabriel pronounced judgment.
for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or other alcoholic drinks. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. And he will turn many Israelites to the Lord their God. He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly.”
Luke 1:15-17
This was to be John’s purpose. The name God selected for John means “the Lord is gracious.” This would be John’s purpose in life - preparing people to receive the grace of Jesus. He was the forerunner of Christ, the one who came before Him to announce His arrival.
When it was time for Elizabeth’s baby to be born, she gave birth to a son. And when her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had been very merciful to her, everyone rejoiced with her.
When the baby was eight days old, they all came for the circumcision ceremony. They wanted to name him Zechariah, after his father. But Elizabeth said, “No! His name is John!”
“What?” they exclaimed. “There is no one in all your family by that name.” So they used gestures to ask the baby’s father what he wanted to name him. He motioned for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s surprise he wrote, “His name is John.” Instantly Zechariah could speak again, and he began praising God.
Luke 1:57-64
God can work His plan regardless of imposed feelings. What Zechariah and Elizabeth did went against the cultural norm. But they embraced the name and the purpose God had planned for their son. Zechariah and Elizabeth remind us to be faithful to the Lord, because even when we can’t see it God is working His plan and purpose.
We have our own cultural traditions as well; these are actions and feelings we impose on ourselves. Like Zechariah and Elizabeth, we need to know when to go against the grain and remain faithful to God even when the voices around us are telling us to do otherwise. God was getting ready to do a new thing, so He needed people to be prepared to get rid of some of their old ways in favor of what He had in store for them.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
2 Timothy 4:7-8
In living out our lives, one of our goals should be to be able to say these same words about ourselves. Like Zechariah and Elizabeth, we need to remain faithful to God and His plan and purpose for us. Our lives should be evidence that God is racious.
Group Questions
- Why was Zechariah’s first response one of uncertainty?
- When have you seen someone remain faithful to God even in uncertain, scary, or impossible circumstances?
- What are some traditions or other imposed feelings that we may need to go against, get rid of, or change?
- What does it look like to live a life of faithfulness?
Prayer
Thank you for your graciousness! Nothing is impossible for you. Help us learn to remain faithful even in times of uncertainty or doubt.